WhatzUp

The Outlaw
Renegade
by Evan Gillespie

Renegade

Not in the mood for classic country? Need something a little more contemporary? Well then, you might want to try The Outlaw, the first CD release from Fort Wayne's John Curran & Renegade. The songs on The Outlaw fit securely within the genre of contemporary country, where the line between country music and rock music is decidedly blurry.

The album begins with "You Were Right'r Than Me," a driving honky tonk tune that leads off with a rockabilly-ish guitar riff and a bluesy stomp. The rocking spirit continues with "Where'd You Learn to Drive a Heart Like That," but the band doesn't turn its back on modern country's penchant for poppy ballads; "Eternally" and "Sweet Dream Lady" overflow with sweetness. "The Hardest Part Is Letting Go" follows a tried-and-true format for modern country songs, what I like to call the Three-Verse Tragedy.

Curran's vocals lean toward the edgier side of new country, sort of like Travis Tritt, although he shows an obvious affection for mainstreamers like Garth Brooks. (In fact, "She's Gonna Make It" shares the theme and title, if not the style, of a Brooks song.)

Renegade has been a favorite of local country music fans on the strength of its live performances, and The Outlaw shows why.